Immigration Policy of UK

The immigration policy of the UK has been a subject of significant attention and debate, particularly in recent years.

With increasing globalization, demographic shifts, and political pressures, the UK government has been refining its approach to immigration management.

On 4th December 2023, Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled a comprehensive “five-point plan” aimed at reducing immigration. Subsequent releases from the Home Office have provided additional details and adjustments to these proposed changes, with many set to take effect by 11th April 2024.

New Immigration Policy of the UK – Overview

New Immigration Policy of the UK
Changes
1. Ban on bringing dependants for social care workers’ visas
2. Increase in minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas to £38,700
3. Revision of Shortage Occupation List to limit sponsorship on lower salaries
4. Gradual increase in spouse/partner visa minimum income threshold
5. Review of the Graduate visa for overseas graduates of British universities
Effective Dates
– Ban on care worker dependants: Since 11th March 2024
– Increase in Skilled Worker minimum salary: 4th April 2024
– Interim Immigration Salary List: 4th April 2024
– Increase in spouse/partner visa minimum income to £29,000: 11th April 2024
– Further increase to around £34,500 (unspecified time in 2024) and ultimately to around £38,700 (by early 2025)
– Review of the Graduate visa: Initiated, report due by 14th May 2024
Approval Process
– Changes take effect automatically unless actively annulled by the House of Commons or House of Lords within 40 days
– No vote expected; changes not subject to amendment
– No further legislation required
Reasons for Changes
– Government aims to reduce immigration, citing concerns over high levels
– Recent increases attributed to international students, social care workers, and humanitarian schemes
– Changes follow previous restrictions on student dependant rules
Transitional Arrangements
– Higher spouse/partner visa threshold applies only to first-time applicants
– Existing visa holders subject to previous thresholds, including extensions and settlement
Income Thresholds
– Only sponsor’s income counts for initial visa applications from outside the UK
– Both sponsor’s and applicant’s income count for extensions and permanent residence
Savings as Alternative
– Savings above £16,000, divided by 2.5, count towards the threshold
– With the new £29,000 threshold, £88,500 in savings needed
Armed Forces Sponsorship
– Minimum income for armed forces sponsorship set at £23,496
Comparison with Other Countries
– Many countries have minimum income requirements, but thresholds and rules vary
– UK’s rules considered stricter compared to other countries
– UK ranked low on ease of family reunion by the Migrant Integration Policy Index
Exemptions for Existing Skilled Workers
– Existing Skilled Worker visa holders not subject to new £38,700 threshold
– Salary threshold for extensions and settlement set at £29,000
– Reductions in sponsoring salary for certain circumstances still possible after 4th April
– Job-specific going rates increasing significantly
– New Immigration Salary List replacing Shortage Occupation List
– Review of Graduate visa initiated
– No changes to criteria for savings as alternative to income

New Immigration Policy of UK 2024

The United Kingdom has recently announced significant changes to its immigration policy, aiming to reduce net migration and reshape visa regulations. These changes, outlined in a five-point plan by Home Secretary James Cleverly, reflect the government’s commitment to managing immigration levels and addressing concerns about its impact on various sectors of society.

1. Restrictions on Care Worker Dependants: Effective since March 11, 2024, newly arriving care workers are no longer allowed to bring their immediate family, including partners and children, on their visa. This measure aims to control the influx of dependents and prioritize the employment of local residents in the care sector.
2. Increase in Skilled Worker Minimum Salary: Starting from April 4, 2024, the minimum salary requirement for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa category will rise significantly. The baseline minimum salary will increase from £26,200 to £38,700, except for health and care workers and education workers on national pay scales.
3. Changes to Shortage Occupation List: A new interim Immigration Salary List, replacing the Shortage Occupation List, will come into effect on April 4, 2024. This adjustment aims to reduce the number of jobs eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa with salaries below the usual minimum threshold.
4. Rising Minimum Income for Spouse/Partner Visa: The minimum income requirement for sponsoring a spouse/partner visa will increase gradually. Starting from April 11, 2024, it will rise to £29,000, ultimately reaching around £38,700 by early 2025. These changes aim to ensure financial stability for families and reduce reliance on public funds.
5. Review of the Graduate Visa: A comprehensive review of the Graduate visa, a two-year unsponsored work permit for overseas graduates of British universities, has been initiated. The Home Secretary has requested a report on this matter by May 14, 2024, indicating a commitment to evaluating the effectiveness and relevance of this immigration pathway.

These policy changes reflect the government’s efforts to address concerns about immigration levels, prioritize certain sectors for skilled workers, and ensure economic stability and public welfare. While these measures aim to control immigration, they also raise questions about the impact on various sectors of the economy and the broader social implications of such policy shifts.

What are the new family visa rules?

Changes in Minimum Income Requirement
– Minimum income level for family visas will increase from £18,600 to £29,000 from spring 2024
– Initial proposal of £38,700 was revised after concerns about family separation
– Future increases planned, with thresholds rising to £34,500 and ultimately to £38,700 by early 2025
Transitional Arrangements for Renewals
– Existing family visa holders can renew their visas without meeting the new earnings threshold
Government Response
– Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, confirmed the phased increase in minimum income
– Full amount of £38,700 expected to be reached by early 2025
Reasons for Revision
– Initial proposal raised concerns about potential family separation
– Revised threshold aims to balance immigration control with family unity
Impact on Applicants
– Applicants for new family visas will need to meet the new £29,000 threshold
– Renewal process for existing visa holders remains unchanged
Future Changes
– Continued monitoring and potential adjustments to family visa rules
– Government commitment to maintaining immigration control while considering family welfare

How many migrants come to the UK?

Net Migration Figures:

• In the year ending June 2023, 1,180,000 people arrived in the UK intending to stay for at least a year.
• During the same period, an estimated 508,000 individuals departed.
• This resulted in net migration of 672,000, a decrease from the record high of 745,000 in the 2022 calendar year.

Origin of Migrants:

• The majority of arrivals (968,000) were from outside the European Union.

Purpose of Migration:

• According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 39% of non-EU migrants came to study, 33% for work, and 9% for humanitarian reasons.

Top Non-EU Nationalities:

1. Indian: 253,000 arrivals
2. Nigerian: 141,000 arrivals
3. Chinese: 89,000 arrivals
4. Pakistani: 55,000 arrivals
5. Ukrainian: 35,000 arrivals

Trends and Considerations:

• Net migration remains a significant factor in the UK’s demographic landscape.
• Non-EU migration, particularly for study and work purposes, contributes substantially to overall figures.
• Continued monitoring and analysis of migration patterns are essential for informed policymaking and planning.
• The composition and volume of migration may fluctuate in response to economic, social, and geopolitical factors.

What are the rules for student visas?

Rules for Student Visas
Number of Study Visas Issued
– In the 12 months to the end of September 2023, the government issued 486,107 study visas.
– Half of these visas were granted to Indian and Chinese nationals, with Nigeria, Pakistan, and the US following as the next most popular countries for student visas.
Dependant Visas
– Dependents of students, including spouses, civil or unmarried partners, and children under 18, could also apply for visas.
– In the year ending September 2023, 152,980 visas were issued to dependants.
– However, from January 2024, international postgraduate students will no longer be able to bring dependants unless their course is designated as a research programme.
Graduate Visa
– Students who have completed their degree can stay in the UK for two years (three years for doctoral degree holders) to work under a graduate visa.
– In the year ending September 2023, 104,501 graduate visas were issued, excluding dependents

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FAQs on Immigration Policy of UK

What are the changes that immigrants should expect?

Immigrants should expect changes in visa eligibility criteria, including adjustments to minimum income requirements, restrictions on bringing dependants, and modifications to the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.

When will the changes happen?

The changes will be implemented gradually, with some already in effect and others scheduled for specific dates in 2024, such as April and early 2025.

What is the immigration process for UK?

The UK immigration process typically involves applying for a visa relevant to the purpose of travel, such as a work visa, study visa, or family visa, meeting specific criteria, providing required documentation, and undergoing any necessary interviews or assessments.

What is the migration plan in the UK?

The migration plan in the UK includes measures to manage and control immigration levels, such as adjusting visa rules, setting minimum income thresholds, and reviewing visa categories to align with national priorities.

What are the new immigration rules for UK 2024?

The new immigration rules for the UK in 2024 include changes to visa sponsorship requirements, minimum income thresholds for various visa categories, restrictions on bringing dependants, and adjustments to the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.

Who is eligible for UK immigration?

Eligibility for UK immigration varies depending on factors such as the purpose of travel, individual circumstances, and meeting specific criteria outlined in immigration laws and regulations.

Will MPs be voting to approve, reject, or amend the changes?

MPs are unlikely to vote on the changes as revisions to immigration rules are typically implemented through statements of changes to the Immigration Rules, which take effect automatically unless actively annulled by Parliament within a specified timeframe.

Why has the Government decided to make these changes?

The Government aims to address concerns about high levels of immigration, manage immigration flows effectively, and align immigration policies with national priorities such as economic growth, workforce needs, and social cohesion.

How are the visa rules changing and how many people come to the UK?

Visa rules are changing through adjustments to criteria such as minimum income thresholds, sponsorship requirements, and restrictions on bringing dependants. The number of people coming to the UK varies annually, with factors such as economic conditions, international relations, and government policies influencing migration levels.